Marlborough in Wiltshire

Visit Marlborough and the surrounding villages and stay in bed & breakfast accommodation:

Marlborough, Wiltshire. The history of Marlborough stretches back centuries. It is even said that Merlin is buried at the Castle Mound, the oldest part of the town and now part of Marlborough College. Situated in the valley of the Kennet and on the main road, Marlborough was always well placed, especially in coaching times.

The town had some turbulent moments. During the Civil War, there was fierce fighting here and marks can still be seen on the north face of St Mary's Church tower. In 1653 a great fire broke out and destroyed at least 250 buildings. Subscriptions for rebuilding were raised all over the country, but fires again broke out in 1679 and 1690, until it was specifically forbidden to thatch.

As Marlborough suffered so greatly from fire, most of the older half-timbered houses are hidden in the small back lanes off the High Street, an impressively wide road that sweeps down the centre of the town. The effect here is Georgian, but houses built at various times make up a harmonious whole. On the north side are particularly pleasing colonnades.

At either end of the main street stands a church. St Peter's is a mainly Perpendicular stone building, restored in the 19th century. St Mary's is also mainly Perpendicular and has been restored at various times. During this restoration work, a Roman statue of the goddess Fortuna was found.

Marlborough College, standing on the site of the old castle, was founded in 1843. One of the houses of this famous public school has an interesting history. Originally built by John Webb, it belonged to the Seymours until rebuilt by the Duke of Somerset in 1700. There, Frances, Lady Hertford, held sway over a court of poets and painters. In the mid-l8th century. the house became famous as the busy coaching Castle Inn. At one time Lord Chatham stayed here while unwell.